Friday, August 19

Brand new for Fall 2011, Alpinestars has released a slew of new boots to the motorcycle riding world. Within this collection are boots for everyone: the racer, the commuter, the sport rider, and the city rider. Here is our look at the new 2011 Alpinestars boots.

At first glance, the new Alpinestars Supertech-R Boots look identical to last year's model. That is because all of the changes to this boot happened on the inside to the inner booty. The new dual hinge system within the boot is redesigned to flow with the natural motion of the ankle and to prevent any movements that would cause damage, including hyperflexion and hyperextension. The actual mesh used on the inner booty is now 3D bubble mesh which allows for more ventilation and better wicking properties. AStars also added a suede panel across the front of the toe which is a comfort feature that prevents this area from wearing out resulting from rubbing against the outer boot. There is also a crazy fly colorway with fluorescent yellow that you can see at the right.

Right away, there is no way that anyone would think the Alpinestars CR-4 Gore-Tex XCR Boots are designed for motorcycling based on the fact that they look exactly like your standard hiking boot. When you get beyond the Gore-Tex waterproof breathable XCR membrane (the most durable of the Gore line), the rugged sole, and the external leather and suede construction with hiking boot style metal eyelets and top hooks, you find serious motorcycle functionality. An EVA foam midsole for shock absorption, internal toe box reinforcement and an internal heel cup, a dual shank system (TPU in the arch, metal in the heel) for increased shock and impact protection, and a designated PU shifter pad all define this new piece as a true motorcycle boot.

The Alpinestars S-MX 1 Riding Shoes are the home run out of this new boot run from AStars. With a newly redesigned style that offers weight savings and more technicality, Astars hit this one out of the park. The new version has a toe slider, velcro strap adjuster across the instep, and a textured TPU shifter pad. This version is also going to ventilate better than the predecessor with strategic perforated zones. This boot can have legitimate application for a range of riders, from the city guy to the hardcore sport rider, thanks to its extensive technicality and protective features.

Touting F1-inspired design, the brand new Alpinestars Fastlane Shoes are about to make a splash in the US market after spending a decent about of time enjoying popularity in Japan and Europe. Aside from the eye-catching style with the hi-viz yellow and red accents (also available in a black version), the Fastlane packs a lot of technicality into a high-top riding boot. A lightweight microfiber upper with a lightweight rubber sole that has a laser-ablated textured grip pattern, the Fastlane has double density protectors on each side of the ankle, a reinforced toe box and heel cup, metal shank in the sole, TPR toe and ankle protectors, and a shock-absorbing EVA foam footbed. Not too shabby for a slick-as-hell sport and city riding shoe.

The Alpinestars Blacktop Shoes have received a makeover for Fall 2011, with the first obvious one being the style, which has been improved. These boots are extremely lightweight, with a microfiber upper and mesh inserts that will flow air. There are dual density ankle cups both medially and laterally, with a reinforced toe and heel counter. These boots use the vulcanized rubber compound sole for added durability and protection, and the multi-density shock-absorbing EVA footbed is completely removable. This year's model also features reflective piping for guaranteed nighttime visibility. They will work well for the commuter and city rider and really look great when you're walking around town off of the bike.

So, here we are again, with another run of standout products from Alpinestars. They simply continue to impress. Good on ya, Astars.